Avanti Markets Announces Lifetime Kiosk Warranty Vending Operator Meet

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- At its fourth annual operators' meeting, Avanti Markets announced a program that offers a lifetime guarantee for all of its micromarket kiosks. Avanti held the meeting here from Dec. 1 to 3, drawing 230 customers.

"I have always said that as Avanti reaches some scale, we would be giving back to those operators who have helped us reach those milestones," observed chief executive Jim Brinton. "I feel that one of the biggest concerns for operators has been not knowing the lifespan of a kiosk since this equipment is new to them, and what those unknown costs would be to maintain or replace that kiosk."

On the first day of the conference, Avanti team members and guest speakers shared insights with operators, who formed discussion groups based on the number of markets they have in the field. Day two allowed participants to attend education sessions based on their roles within their companies, including sales, marketing and owner.

Avanti also educated suppliers about its micromarkets, planned improvements for the self-checkout stores and ways they can maximize kiosk functionality to sell more product and lift sales for the operator.

Among the guest speakers were Paul Tullio, Gourmet Coffee Service (Van Nuys, CA); Mike Pearce, Ace Vending (Tempe, AZ) and Jim Belisle, Continental Services (Sterling Heights, MI). National Automatic Merchandising Association senior vice-president of government affairs Eric Dell discussed micromarket regulations and advocacy efforts to benefit suppliers and operators.

The meeting also had a mini trade show with 33 tabletop displays.

Avanti recognized the following operators at an awards ceremony:
» Coffee Spotlight Recognition: PGI Services/Specialized Markets
» Micromarket Legislative Advocates: Advantage Food & Beverage and Continental Vending
» Operator Spotlight: Jackson Brothers of the South (Keokuk, IA)
» Operator of the Year: Continental Services (Detroit, MI)
» Growth Performer of the Year: Monumental Vending (Beltsville, MD)
» Customer Appreciation: Canteen of Coastal California (Oxnard, CA)

The meeting ended with a raffle. Slabb Kiosks Inc., Crane Payment Innovations, Genesis Décor, Minus Forty Technologies, Mobile Merchandiser and Premier Wireless donated products as prizes for the drawing